‘Breathe in Brighton’: Raising Air Pollution Awareness

As a city with the only Green MP in the country there is no denying that Brighton people are working hard to create a cleaner and greener environment – what with the huge focus on cycling rather than driving, and the significant rise in the use of electric cars, most of us are certainly trying our best to do our bit.

However, there is always more that can be done, so Argyll Environmental, a local environmental consultancy, have teamed up with Brighton Peace and Environment Centre to host ‘Breathe in Brighton’ – an event intended to raise awareness of air pollution in the city.

Each year as many as 40,000 lives are shortened by poor air quality and it costs the NHS £20 billion annually – it’s a public health emergency – Mike Butler, Brighton Peace and Environment Centre

Taking place next Monday on the 16th July, at the Brighthelm Centre, ‘Breathe in Brighton’ intends to be a platform for both the council and local transport companies to voice their plans to help reduce air pollution in the city. The event will also offer local organisations the opportunity to showcase the ways in which they are working towards combating the issue.

Open to all, the event is aiming to educate all attendees on the dangers of air pollution, and how we can work together to combat it, with speakers from local transport companies and the council, as well as experts from the University of Brighton.

Mike Butler, of Brighton Peace and Environment Centre, has spoken up to drive home how important this issue is, not just for the preservation of our planet, but also to us as individuals: “Each year as many as 40,000 lives are shortened by poor air quality and it costs the NHS £20 billion annually – it’s a public health emergency.”

He went on to identify the main cause of air pollution, as well as suggest how we can begin to combat it. “Road transport has continued to be the main cause of air pollution in Brighton & Hove. Through this campaign we are promoting the benefits of public transport and cycling, and working with the Council to be ambitious in its efforts to tackle this problem.”

‘Breathe in Brighton’ is open to all, and will take place at 4.30pm on Monday 16th July at the Brighthelm Centre, North Road, BN1 1YD. To register click here, and for more information visit the website.